BEER BOYCOTT

Grey River Argus, 29 August 1939, Page 8

BEER BOYCOTT

AUCKLAND ACTION Harbour Board Employees' Decision [Per Press Association.!. AUCKLAND, August 28. A decision to boycott homis and breweries as a protest against the recent rise in the price of beer, following on increased Government taxation, was made at a meeting of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Harbour Boards’ Employees’ Union, after considerable discussion. The following resolution was passed: “‘That the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Harbour Boards’ Employees’ Union strongly protests against, the increase in the price of beer, and that full support be given to the Otahuhu Railway Woskshops employees in demanding that publicans be brought into line with other retailers by the introduction of the Imperial pint as the standard measure, in compliance with the requirements ol the Weights and Measures Act; that this branch pledges itsell to give full support to all other industrial organisations by refraining from frequenting any breweries and hotels in Auckland City and suburbs, and that members of this organisation will view very seriously any member acting in any way contrary to the spirit and letter of this resolution. A rider was added in which the meeting held that “in view of the enormous profits shown by breweries last year, there is no justification for the increase”; and that: We also find that brewers are not only passing on to the public the full 6d. a gallon tax, but are also making an additional profit, out of the same tax.”

Extends to Waihi WAIHI, August 26. Waihi hotels have been declared "black” by' members of the Ohinemuri Mines and Batteries’ Union. At a meeting held by the union to discuss the increased price of beer, a resolution was carried to the effect, that until certain prices were agreed to the four Waihi hotels should be declared “black”. The prices sought were as follows: Sixteen ounce ♦"handles,” 6d; eightounce “half-handles,” 3d; small bottles of ale, 9d; “riggers” of draught ale, Is; bottle draught ale Is 3d. It was decided to serve a notice to this effect on each hotel proprietor in Waihi.